Four Wildcats Make All-Conference Team

RISON - Head coach Caleb Carmikle of Rison has announced that four members of the 2023 Wildcat football squad have been named to the 6-3A All-Conference first team, including three seniors and a junior. One of the selections is a first team All-Conference member for all three of his varsity seasons with the 'Cats. The four selectees are seniors Owen Morrison, Cole Dedman, and Za'Kyler Walker, and junior Thomas Wilson. In making the announcement of the four Wildcats to the team, Carmikle said he places an emphasis on 'looking at what they (the players) do in conference' action. All the coaches in the league cast votes for the selections. Commenting about Morrison, the Wildcat quarterback in 2023, Carmikle said the senior was the 'team leader and progressed tremendously from week zero to the end of the season.' The R.H.S. mentor added that Morrison became the team's 'biggest offensive weapon at the end of the season,' this after also assuming duties at safety at midseason. Morrison was also punter and place kicker on the team. His best game came in a crucial conference contest against Barton, a victory that helped Rison gain a third place finish in the league. Against Barton, Morrison rushed for 103 yards and 5 touchdowns. He led the 'Cats in rushing in Rison's last three games of the season, including the playoff opener against Jessieville, a contest in which he also threw three TD passes. Dedman followed this year's selection to the first team after gaining the same honor as a junior in 2022. Commenting about Dedman, Carmikle said the senior 'was the best offensive lineman' for the Wildcats, and 'consistently graded at the top for blocking' during the '23 season. Walker, receiver/defensive back, concluded his Rison career by being named All-Conference first team for the third consecutive season. 'He (Walker) was our most explosive player and was one of the most athletic kids on the field,' Carmikle stated. Walker ...